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| TOWN OF ATHLONE, COUNTY ROSCOMMON. -The strong town of "stout Athlone" is one of the oldest in Ireland, and stands on both banks of the Shannon, in the counties Westmeath and Roscommon, nine miles from the ruins of Clonmacnois, or the Seven Churches. It derives its name, according to some authorities, from the Gaelic Ath-Luain-the Ford of the Moon-according to others from Ath-Luan-the Ford of the Rapids. Professor Joyce takes a widely different view, holding that it was originally called Ath-More-Great Ford-and that its modern appellation is derived from the name of a man called Luan. However this may be, the place sprang into importance, as a military stronghold, in the reign of King John, when the castle-a sketch of which is given elsewhere, together with some account of the sieges of 1690-91-was built. Since the Fourteenth century it has been regarded as a key to the possession of Ireland. The English monarchs always placed a high estimate on its value as a strategic point, and it has been the scene of more battles and investments than any other Irish fortress, with the exception of Limerick, its sister in renown. In addition to its vicissitudes during the Williamite wars, it was captured by the Parliamentary army, under Sir Charles Coote, during the Cromwellian period. The notorious "So-help-me-God" renegade, Judge Keogh, who cut his throat, like Castlereagh, was elected from Athlone to Parliament in the early 50's of this century and sold his country at the first opportunity. |
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